Enhanced lung clearance of antigen in immunised mice

A mouse model is described which enables a semi-quantitative assessment of antigen clearance from the lung. The distribution of antigen presented to the non-sensitised lung is examined and shown to be reproducible using a simple in vivo inoculation technique. Preliminary studies demonstrate that antigen clearance is significantly enhanced after parenteral immunisation and that the effect is antigen specific. Applications of the model to further studies of respiratory challenge are suggested.